Community & Business
14 August, 2026
New housing support service for youths
THE first dedicated youth housing support service for the Tablelands has been established, with Vocational Partnerships Group (VPG) expanding its youth services to include housing navigation support for young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
The new service joins Tablelands Youth Support and MyndKind within VPG’s existing youth services, with a focus on helping young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness navigate challenges, access support and build stability.
“Youth homelessness on the Tablelands is often hidden,” VPG chief executive officer Maryanne Tranter said.
“It can look like a young person moving from place to place, relying on friends or extended family and never quite knowing where they’ll be staying next, while trying to stay engaged in school, work and community life.
“Until now, there has been no dedicated service on the Tablelands focused on helping these young people find a pathway forward.”
Ms Tranter said the service was about making sure young people don’t have to figure it out alone.
“We can’t magic up houses that don’t exist,” she said.
“But we can make sure every young person has someone in their corner. Someone who knows the local options and can walk alongside them while they find a way forward.
“That will make a difference.”
Dedicated youth support staff will now be able to work one-on-one with young people across the Tablelands, supporting them through practical steps like reconnecting with family where appropriate, developing tenancy skills, identifying safe options, and linking in with the right services.
The service is mobile, reaching young people wherever they are.
VPG is recruiting now and the new roles will work alongside the organisations’ existing youth services.
